Floor structure and building construction panel therefor

ABSTRACT

AN IMPROVED FLOOR STRUCTURE ASSEMBLED FROM CONCRETE AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PANELS OF UNIQUE DESIGN. THE PANELS ARE ASSEMBLED IN SIDE-BY-SIDE INTERENGAGED RELATION. THE UPSIDE OF THE ASSEMBLED PANELS PRESENTS A PLURALITY OF TROUGHS HAVING DEFORMATIONS AND KEYING ELEMENTS ASSOCIATED THEREWITH. THE OVERLYING CONCRETE IS UNITED WITH THE PANELS AS A COMPOSITE FLOOR STRUCTURE CAPABLE OF DEVELOPING IMPROVED LOAD-CARRYING CAPACITIES. THE UNDERSIDE OF THE ASSEMBLED PANELS PRESENTS A PLURALITY OF CHANNELS WHICH MAY BE ADAPTED TO PROVIDE ANY ONE OF A VARIETY OF FINISHED CEILING ARRANGEMENTS.

B- E- CURRAN Sept. 28, 1971 FLOOR STRUCTURE AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONPANEL THEREFOR Original Filed Oct. 9, 1968 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 3% R, u 5 WEI m M E a/ 3 0 6 5 2 5 Fig. 3

AGENT Sept. 28, 1971 CURRAN 3,608,267

FLOOR STRUCTURE AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PANEL THEREFOR Original Fi ledOct. 9, 1968 ESheets-Sheet 2 1 105 I02 Fig, 9

Ml VE/V TOR. BER/VA RD E. CUR/PA N Sept. 28, 1971 B. E. CURRAN 3,608,267

FLOOR STRUCTURE AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PANEL THEREFOR Original FiledOct. 9, 1968 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 I708 I748 /82A 2 Fig. 20 E?I,\EQED ya-'5was I IN Fig. 24

INVE/V TOR. BERNARD E. CURRAN AGENT Sept. 28, 1971 CURRAN 3,608,267

FLOOR STRUCTURE AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PANEL THEREFOR Original FiledOct. 9, 1968 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVEN TOR. BERNARD E. CURRAN AGENT B. E-CURRAN Sept. 28, 1971 FLOOR STRUCTURE AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PANELTHEREFOR Original Filed Oct; 9, 1968 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

BERNARD E. CURRAN j/awu twl AGENT United States Patent 3,608,267 FLOORSTRUCTURE AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PANEL THEREFOR Bernard E. Curran,Sewickley, Pa., assignor to H. H. Robertson Company, Pittsburgh, Pa.Original application Oct, 9, 1968, Ser. No. 766,048. Divided and thisapplication May 13, 1970, Ser. No. 36,916

Int. Cl. E04b 5/40, 5/36 US. Cl. 52-332 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is adivision of copending application Ser. No. 766,048, filed Oct. 9, 1968and now Pat. No. 3,557,511.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the invention This inventionrelates to a building construction panel, and more particularly to animproved floor structure resulting from the use of the buildingconstruction panel.

(2) Description of the prior art In the construction of many multi-storybuildings, the floors are assembled from corrugated sheet metal deckingwhich is rigidified by a covering concrete layer. Such a floorconstruction is described in US. Pats. 1,855,082; 2,259,674. Theconcrete component of such floor construction is considered as aparasitic mass making no contribution whatsoever to the load-carryingcapability of the building floor. The corrugated metal decking sustainsthe entire load including the weight of the concrete.

There are other floor constructions utilizing corrugated sheet metaldecking merely as a form for supporting a poured-in-place reinforcedconcrete slab which serves a building floor. See for example, US. Pats.1,073,540; 1,073,542. Such concrete slabs combine the hardened concretewith metal tension reinforcement rods or wires.

More recently various proposals have been advanced for utilizing theload-carrying capability of concrete components in combination with theload-carrying capability of the sheet metal decking elements. The twomaterials are combined and the resulting floor has been identified as acomposite floor. Typical composite floor construction has been describedin Canada Pats. 704,839; 704,840; 704.841 and 704,842.

Still another type of panel is described in the prior art. See US. Pats.Re. 25,364; 3,049,198; 3,347,010. This panel is used principally in roofstructures. In general, these panels include a generally horizontalplate portion, a Web portion depending from one side of the plateportion, and a generally horizontal flange at the lower end of theflange portion, serving as a base. These panels are installed inside-by-side relation with the base of each panel resting on supportingstructure and with that edge of the plate portion remote from the webportion overlapping and secured to the adjacent panel in the region ofthe web portion of the adjacent panel. Each of these panels ischaracterized by being unstable, that is, incapable of standing alone inthe position it assumes when installed in a roof structure. Moreover,these panels are considered unstable until such time as they aresecured, as by welding, to an adjacent previously installed panel. Wheninstalled in a roof structure, the underside of the panels is capable ofsupporting various elements adapted to form ceiling structures.

These prior art unstable elements find principal use in roof structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The principal object of this invention is toprovide an improved floor structure resulting from the use of buildingconstruction panels of unique design.

Another object of this invention is to provide a build ing constructionpanel having an improved strength-toweight ratio.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improvedload-bearing metal subfloor whose upside presents a plurality ofgenerally U-shaped troughs adapted to receive a covering layer ofconcrete, and whose underside presents a plurality of channels whichthemselves may be presented as a finished ceiling or which may supportextrinsic elements to provide any one of a variety of finished ceilingarrangements.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a buildingconstruction panel capable of producing a full depth concrete rib forincreasing the load-carrying capacity of the finished metal/concretefloor structure.

A further object of this invention is to provide a building constructionpanel having deformations and laterally disposed connecting members orkeying elements adapted to tie the covering layer of concrete to thebuilding construction panel thereby enabling the concrete and the panelsto act compositely to develop improved load-carrying capacities.

The present invention provides an improved floor structure whichincludes a metal subfloor assembled from a plurality of buildingconstruction panels of unique design and an overlying layer of concrete.

Although the present metal subfloor is assembled from a plurality ofbuilding construction panels, it is a convenient concept in describingthe metal subfloor to state that the subfloor includes a substantiallycontinuous pan or deck portion having a plurality of upwardly extendingribs and a plurality of downwardly extending ribs. The upwardlyextending ribs cooperate with the deck portion to define plural troughs.Deformations in the deck portion and keying elements associated with theupwardly extending ribs secure an overlying layer of concrete to themetal subfloor in shear transferring relation therewith. The downwardlyextending ribs terminate in bases adapted to engage the buildingframework which supports the improved floor structure. The downwardlyextending ribs and the substantially continuous deck portion defineplural channels. The channels may be painted or otherwise decorated toprovide a ribbed ceiling structure. Alternatively, the channels maysupport elements designated to provide any one of a variety of ceilingarrangements.

The present building construction panel can be characterized as anunstable element, that is, an element which is incapable of standingalone in the position which it assumes when assembled in the metalsubfloor assembly of this invention.

The building construction panel of this invention is formed from asingle sheet of metal and includes first and second generally verticalwebs which are laterally spaced from each other. A central pan extendsfrom the lower edge of the first generally vertical web toward thesecond generally vertical web and terminates in a longitudinal pan edge.First and second complementary connecting members are provided, onealong the upper edge of each of the first and second generally verticalwebs. A base is provided at the lower edge of the second generallyvertical web below the level of the central pan. A third generallyvertical web connects the central pan to the second generally verticalweb. The present building construction panel is adapted to be engagedside-by-side with other units of the same building construction panelwith the said first connecting member interfitting the second connectingmember of a previously installed building construction panel and withthe second connecting member interfitting the first connecting member ofa subsequently installed building construction panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a fioorstructure incorporating a plurality of building construction panels ofthis invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the building construction panel employedin the floor structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end view on an enlarged scale of the building constructionpanel of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line 44 ofFIG. 2, illustrating embossments in a central pan of the presentbuilding construction panel;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, illustratin indentations in thecentral pan of the present building construction panels;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a starting section employed in the floorstructure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating the initialinterfitted relation of first and second connecting members of adjacentones of the panels of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating the first andsecond connecting members in the position they assume when fullyconnected together;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken transversely through a fioorstructure including building construction panels of this invention,illustrating the formation of a ceiling structure incorporatingelectrical raceways and a lighting unit;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 9, illustrating theformation of an acoustical ceiling assembly;

FIGS. 11 to 14 are perspective views of building construction panels ofthis invention, illustrating alternative configurations of a centralpan;

FIGS. l5, l7, l9 and 21 are perspective views of building constructionpanels of this invention, illustrating alternative embodiments of thefirst and second connecting members;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating the first andsecond connecting members of adjacent ones of the panels of FIG. 15, inthe positions they assume when fully connected;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating the first andsecond connecting members of adjacent ones of the panels of FIG. 17, inthe positions they as sume when fully connected;

FIGG. 20 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating the panelsof FIG. 19, in the positions they assume when fully connected;

FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 are fragmentary cross-sectional views illustratingthe interconnection of the first and second connecting members ofadjacent ones of the panels of FIG. 21;

FIGS. 25 and 26 are fragmentary isometric views illustrating alternativeembodiments of a base provided in the building construction panel ofthis invention;

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the preferred endconfiguration of the present building construction panel;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary side view of two of the panels of FIG. 27supported on a horizontal beam; l

FIGS. 29, 30 and 31 are fragmentary isometric views illustratingalternative embodiments of the end configuration of the present buildingconstruction panel;

FIG. 32 is a fragmentary side view of the panel of FIG. 31 supported ona horizontal beam;

FIG. 33 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the endconfiguration of the starter section of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 34 and 35 are perspective end views of further alternativeembodiments of the building construction panel of this invention,presenting deep troughs adapted to provide full depth concrete ribs; and

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken transversely through a floorstructure incorporating building construction panels of FIGS. 2, 34 and35.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) Referring to FIG. 1, there isillustrated an improved floor structure 10 of this invention. The floorstructure 10 comprises a metal subfioor 12 assembled from a plurality ofbuilding construction panels 14 disposed in sideby-side interengagedrelation, a starter section 16 and a covering layer of concrete 18.

The building construction panel of this invention is formed from asingle metal sheet, such as steel, aluminized steel, galvanized steeland the like.

Referring to FIG. 2, it is a convenient concept when describing thebuilding construction panel 14 to state that it includes a generalU-shaped trough 20 presenting complementary first and second connectingmembers 22, 24 on opposite sides thereof; and a supporting leg 26depending from the second connecting member 24 and terminating in a base28 adapted to support the panel 14. The trough 20 includes a central panor deck portion 30 provided with a plurality of generally paralleldeformations 32 Referring to FIG. 3, the trough 20 includes first andsecond generally vertical webs 3-4, 36 positioned along opposite sidesand extending upwardly from the pan 30. The first generally vertical web34 includes an upper edge 38 adjoining the first connecting member 22and a lower edge 40 adjoining the central pan 30. The pan 30 extendshorizontally away from the lower edge 40- and terminates in alongitudinal pan edge 42 adjoining the third generally vertical web 36.The third generally vertical web 56 includes an upper edge 44 adjoiningthe second connecting member 24.

The supporting leg 26 comprises a second generally vertical web 46having an upper edge 48 adjoining the second connecting member 24 and alower edge 50 adjoining the base 28.

The supporting leg 26 and the base 28 have a generally T-shapedconfiguration. The base 28 includes an upper flange '52 adjoining thelower edge 50, a. bottom flange 54 connected to the upper flange 52 at afold 56, and a terminal flange 58 connected to the bottom flange 54 at afold 60*.

The first connecting member 22 may comprise an open channel 62 ofgenerally cylindrical configuration, having a longitudinal axis 64. Theopen channel 62 adjoins the first generally vertical web 34 at the upperedge 38, extends therefrom for an arc distance of greater than andterminates in a leading edge 66. The leading edge is spaced from theupper edge 38- to provide a lengthwise opening 68. The open channel 62is of a single metal thickness.

The second connecting member 24 comprises second and third open channels70, 72 of generally cylindrical configuration, having a commonlongitudinal axis 74. The second open channel 70 adjoins the secondgenerally vertical web 46 at the upper edge 48. The third open channel72 adjoins the third generally vertical web 36 and the upper edge 44.The second and third open channels 70, 72 are connected together at afold or leading edge 76. The second and third channels 70, 72 extendfrom the upper edges 48, 44, respectively, for an arc distance ofgreater than 180. The leading edge 76 is spaced from the upper edge 44to provide a second lengthwise opening 78.

In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the deformations32 comprise embossments 80 extending above an upper face 82 of thecentral pan 30. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the deformations 32may comprise indentations 84 extending below a lower face 86 of thecentral pan 30.

A plurality of the panels 14 can be erected in side-byside interengagedrelation to form the metal sheath 12 (FIG. 1). The first and secondconnecting members 22, 24 (FIG. 3) comprise complementary elementspresenting coengageable inner and outer surfaces 88, 90, respectively.That is to say, the inner surface 88 of the first connecting member 22of one panel is adapted to be engaged over the outer surface 90 of thesecond connecting member 24 of an adjacent panel.

The starter section 16 is the first member of the metal sheath 12 to beinstalled. The starter section 16 includes a generally vertical web 46'having an upper edge 48' adjoining an open channel 70' and a lower edge'50 adjoining a base 28. The starter section 16 corresponds with thesupporting leg 26 of the panel 14 (FIG. 2).

The assembly of adjacent panels 14A, 14B will now be described withreference to FIGS. 7 and 8. Referring first to FIG. 7, a fragment of thepanel 14A is shown oriented in the position it assumes in the metalsheath 12 (FIG. 1). The panel 14B is titled so that second connectingmember 24A is received through the lengthwise opening 68B of the firstconnecting member 22B. The panel 14B is then rotated in a clockwisedirection to bring the coengageable surfaces 88B, 90A into surfaceengagement and to place the first generally vertical web 34B inconfronting relation with the second generally vertical flange 46A, asshown in FIG. 8.

When the panels 14A, 14B are in the relative positions shown in FIG. 8,it will be seen that the central pans 30A, 30B are in a common plane. Inaddition, it will be seen that the coengageable surfaces 88B, 90A, areengaged over an arc length which is greater than 180 thereby providing arelatively waterproof, positive mechanical connection between the panels14A, 14B.

Referring again to FIG. 1, it is a convenient concept in describing themetal sheath 12, to state that the metal sheath 12 presents asubstantially continuous deck portion 92 having spaced-apart upwardlyextending ribs 94 provided with keying elements 96 along their upperends, and downwardly extending ribs 98. The substantially continuousdeck portion 92 corresponds with the central pans 30 of the pluralpanels 14. The upwardly extending ribs 94 corresponds with the first andthird generally vertical webs 34, 36 and that portion of the secondgenerally vertical web 46 above the central pan 30. The keying elements96 correspond with the first and second connecting members 22, 24 of theadjacent panels 14. The downwardly extending ribs 98 correspond withthat portion of the second generally vertical Web 46 extending below thecentral pan 30 and the base 28.

The keying elements 96 and the deformations 32 secure the layer ofconcrete 18 to the metal subfloor 12 in shear transferring relation. Asa result, the concrete 18 and the metal subfloor 12 coact enabling thefloor structure to develop increased load-carrying capabilities.

The downwardly extending ribs 98 cooperate with the substantiallycontinuous deck portion 92 to provide a plurality of downwardly openingchannels 100. The downwardly opening channels 100 may themselves bepainted or otherwise decorated to provide a ceiling arrangement having arib-like exposed surface, such as illustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively,as shown in FIG. 9, a continuous insert pan or strap 102- may beinserted into one or more of the channels to provide passageways 104 forelectrical conductors 105.

Access may be gained from above the floor 10 to any of the passageways104 by openings, schematically illustrated at 101, extending through theconcrete 16 and the central pan 30 of a panel 14. Decorative insert pans106 may be supported by the bases 28 to provide a flush ceiling 107. Toilluminate the snbjacent fioor area, lighting fixtures 108 (only oneshown) may be provided in selected ones of the channels 100 togetherwith a translucent insert pan 110 supported by the adjacent bases 28. Asa further arrangement, as shown in FIG. 10, an acoustical ceiling 112may be formed by providing each of the channels 100 with an acousticalinsulation pad 114 and a perforated insert pan 116, both of which aresupported by the adjacent bases 28.

Alternative embodiments of the present building construction panel areillustrated in FIGS. 11 to 14, inclusive. Corresponding numerals will beemployed to identify corresponding parts heretofore described.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate building construction panels 14C, 14D,respectively, having central pans 30C, 30D, respectively of upwardlyconvex configuration. In FIG. 11, the central pan 30C has a generallyinverted V-shaped upper surface 118 including a ridge 120. A pluralityof the deformations 32 is provided in the central pan 30C on oppositesides of the ridge 120. In FIG. 12, the central pan 30D has a convexarcuate upper surface 122. Two rows of the deformations 32 are providedin the central pan 30D.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate building construction panels 14E, 14F,respectively, wherein the central pans 30E, 30F, respectively, haveupwardly concave configurations. In FIG. 13, the central pan 30E has agenerally V-shaped upper surface 124 provided with two rows of thedeformations 32. In FIG. 14, the central pan 30F has a concave arcuateupper surface 126 provided with two rows of the deformations 32.

Alternative embodiments of the connecting members provided in thepresent building construction panel are illustrated in FIGS. 15, 16; 17,18; 19, 20; and 21 24. Corresponding numerals will be employed toidentify corresponding parts heretofore described.

FIG. 15 illustrates a building construction panel 127 provided withfirst and second connecting members 128, 130. The first connectingmember 128 comprises an open channel 62' adjoining the first generallyvertical web 34 at the upper edge 38 and terminating at its opposite endin an outwardly flared portion 132. The second connecting member 130comprises a generally tubular channel 134 connected to the upper edges48, 44 of the second and third generally vertical webs 46, 36,respectively. The first and second connecting members 128, 130 presentcoengageable inner and outer surfaces 136, 138, respectively.

The assembly of adjacent panels 127A, 127B is illustrated in FIG. 16. Toinstall the panel 127B, it is initially disposed in that position shownin dotted outline wherein the first connecting member 128B overlies thesecond connecting member 138A in saddle-like fashion. Downward pressureapplied to the first connecting member 128B, causes the first connectingmember 128B to be snapped over the second connecting member 138A intothe position shown in full lines.

FIG. 17 illustrates a building construction panel 140 provided withfirst and second connecting members 142, 144. The first connectingmember 142 comprises a first horizontal flange 146, a sloped portion 148adjoining the first generally vertical web 34 at the upper edge 38 andforming a downwardly opening grove 150; and a hooked end 152 formedalong the opposite edge of the first horizontal flange 146. The secondconnecting member 144 includes a second horizontal flange 154terminating in a generally L-shaped flange 156 providing a recess 158.An upstanding bead 160 connects the second horizontal flange 154 to thesecond generally vertical web 46. The second connecting means 144additionally includes a third horizontal flange 162 having one edgeadjoining the third generally vertical web 36 and terminating along itsopposite edge in a generally L-shaped flange 164. The L-shaped flanges156, 164 are connected at a fold 166.

FIG. 18 illustrates the positive mechanical connection provided by thesecond and first connecting members 144A, 142B of adjacent buildingconstruction panels 140A, 140B, respectively. When the panels 140A and14013 are connected, the hooked end 152A resides in the recess 158A andresists vertical movement of the panel 140B relative to the panel 140A.The head 160A resides in the groove 150B and resists lateral movement ofthe panel 140B relative to the panel 140A.

FIG. 19 illustrates a building construction panel 168 provided withfirst and second connecting members 170, 172. The first connectingmember 170 comprises a horizontal flange 174 having an outwardly flaredportion 176 along one edge and a reverse turned portion 178 disposedalong its opposite edge. The reverse turned portion 178 adjoins thefirst generally vertical web 34. A groove 180 is provided between thereverse turned portion 178 and the horizontal flange 174. The secondconnecting member 172 has a generally T-shaped configuration presentingoppositely extending horizontal ribs 182, 184 adjoining the second andthird generally vertical webs 46, 36.

FIG. 20 illustrates the assembly of adjacent panels 168A, 1688. Thefirst and second connecting members 170B, 172A provide a clip typeconnection between the adjacent panels 168A, 1688. During assembly, thepanel 1688 is moved laerally toward the previously installed panel 168A.Passage of the outwardly flared portion 176B over the second connectingmember 172A causes the horizontal flange 174B to be deflected upwardly.When the horizontal bead 182A is seated in the groove 1803, theoutwardly flared portion 176B hooks over the outer edge of thehorizontal rib 184A to provide a positive mechanical connection betweenthe adjacent panels 168A, 1688.

FIG. 21 illustrates a building construction panel 186 provided with afirst connecting member 188 which is similar to the first connectingmember 170 of the building construction panel 168 of FIG. 19. The firstconnecting member 188 includes a horizontal flange 174 having a reverseturned portion 178 adjoining the first generally vertical web 36. Agroove 180 is provided between the horizontal flange 174 and the reverseturned portion 178. A terminal flange 190 is provided along the oppositeedge of the horizontal flange 174. The building construction panel 186also includes a second connecting member 172 which is identical to thesecond connecting member of the building construction panel 168 of FIG.19. Accordingly, the second connecting member 172 includes oppositelyextended horizontal ribs 182, 184 adjoining the second and thirdgenerally vertical webs 46, 36.

FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 illustrate the assembly of adjacent panels 186A,186B. Initially, as shown in FIG. 22, the horizontal flange 174B ismoved above the second connecting member 172A such that the horizontalbead 182A will be received in the groove 18013. When the horizontal bead182A is seated in the groove 1808 and the flange 174B overlies thesecond connecting member 172A, as shown in FIG. 23, suitable apparatus(not shown) is employed to bend the terminal flange 190B downwardlyaround the horizontal rib 184A. The completed connection between theadjacent panels 186A, 186B is illustrated in FIG. 24 wherein theterminal flange 19013 has been bent downwardly, around and under thehorizontal rib 184A.

Alternative embodiments of the base provided in the present buildingconstruction panel are illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26. Correspondingnumerals will be employed to identify corresponding parts heretoforedescribed.

In FIG. 25, a base 192 includes a bottom flange 54 provided with asecond upper flange 194 terminating in a generally vertical terminalflange 196. The terminal flange 196 may be spot welded as at 198 orotherwise secured to the second generally vertical web 46.

FIG. 26 illustrates a base 200 wherein the first upper flange 52 and thebottom flange 54 are provided with an upturned edge 202, and the secondupper flange 194 and the bottom flange 54 are provided with a secondupturned edge 204. The upturned edges 202, 204 provide additionalreinforcement for the base 200.

FIG. 27 illustrates the preferred end configuration of the presentbuilding construction panel. The preferred end configuration will bedescribed with reference to the building construction panel 14 of FIG.2. It should be noted that any of the building construction panelsdescribed herein may be provided with end configurations such as shownin FIG. 27.

The building construction panel 14 has a panel end 206 wherein thecentral pan 30 and the first and third generally vertical Webs 34, 36remain in tact. A portion (not shown) of the second generally verticalWeb 46 below the central pan 30 and above the base 28 is removed. Thebase 28 is bent to assume the configuration illustrated and is securedto the second generally vertical web 46 by a continuous fillet Weld 208and by a second fillet weld (not shown) applied internally of the panel14. The arrangement is such that the base 28 is uninterrupted andprovides a flat portion or bearing pad 210 and an adjoining slopedportion 212.

As shown in FIG. 28, the panels 14C, 14D can be aligned in end-to-endabutment with the bearing pads 210C, 210D engaged with the horizontalupper flange 214 of a horizontal beam 216. The horizontal beam 216 formspart of the structural framework of a building. It will be noted thatthe second connecting members 24C, 24D, the first connecting members(not shown) and the central pans 30C 30D extend continuously across thehorizontal beam 216. The panels 14C, 14D may be spot welded or otherwisesecured to the horizontal beam 216.

FIG. 29 illustrates a panel 14 having a panel end 206' including a flatportion or hearing pad 210' and an adjoining sloped portion 212'. Inthis embodiment, portions of the central pan 30 and the third generallyvertical Web 36 are removed. The flat segment 210 is secured to thecentral pan 30 and the web 36 by fillet welds 209. The flat segment 210'has a lower face 211 which is flush with the lower face 213 of thecentral pan 30. When the panel end 206' of the panel 14 of FIG. 29 isplaced on a horizontal beam, the central pan 30 and the flat segment210' will be in overall surface engagement with the top flange of thehorizontal beam. Such an arrangement facilitates the welding of shearstuds through the central pan 30 directly to the horizontal beam toprovide a composite beam construction.

FIG. 30 illustrates an alternative end configuration of a buildingconstruction panel 218 having a panel end 220. In this embodiment, thesloped portion 212 terminates at the level of the central pan 30. Abearing plate 222 is welded orotherwise secured to the bottom face ofthe central pan 30 in the position illustrated. The bearing plate 22 isthus positioned to engage the top flange of a horizontal beam.

FIG. 31 illustrates a further alternative end configuration of abuilding construction panel 224. The panel 224 includes a panel end 226wherein the second generally vertical web 46 is provided with alongitudinal slot 228 below the level of the central pan 30 and an insetgenerally vertical edge 230 extending downwardly from the slot 228.

In FIG. 32, two aligned and end-to-end abutted panels 224A, 2248 areshown supported on a horizontal beam 216. The beam 126 includes avertical Web 232 and a horizontal upper flange 214. The upper flange 214is received in the longitudinal slot 228A, 228B. The inset verticaledges 230A, 230B are engaged with the opposite faces of the vertical web232. Continuous fillet welds 234 secure the panels 224A, 224B to thehorizontal beam 216.

It will be noted that the central pans 30A, 30B; the second connectingmembers 24A, 24B; and the first connecting members (not visible) extendcontinuously across the horizontal beam 216.

FIG. 33 illustrates the end configuration of the starter section 16. Thebase 28' includes the fiat segment or bearing pad 210" positioned toengage the top flange of a horizontal beam and the adjoining slopedsegment.212.

Further alternative embodiments of the present building constructionpanel are illustrated in FIGS. 34 and 35. Corresponding numerals will beemployed to identify corresponding parts heretofore described.

FIG. 34 illustrates a building construction panel 234 wherein the secondgenerally vertical web 46 is laterally spaced-apart from thelongitudinal pan edge 42 of the central pan 30. The panel 234 includes abase 236 comprising a second pan 238 connected to the second generallyvertical web 46 and extending therefrom toward and generally parallelwith the central pan 30. A fourth generally vertical web 240 connectsthe third generally vertical web 36 to the second pan 238. The base 236presents oppositely extending flanges 242, 244 adapted to support theaforementioned ceiling components.

The second generally vertical web 46 is provided with a secondconnecting member 24' comprising an open channel 246 of a single metalthickness and presenting an outer surface 248. A generally tubular rib250 connects the corresponding upper edges of the third and fourthgenerally vertical webs 36, 240.

The arrangement is such that the second generally vertical web 46, thesecond pan 238 and the fourth generally vertical web 240 defines agenerally U-shaped deep trough 252 adapted to provide a full depthconcrete rib, as will be described.

In FIG. 35, there is illustrated a building construction panel 254wherein the second generally vertical web 46 is laterally spaced-apartfrom the longitudinal pan edge 42 of the central pan 30. The panel 254additionally includes a base 236 comprising a second pan 238' extendingfrom the second generally vertical web 46 toward and generally parallelwith the central web 30. The base 236' presents oppositely extendingflanges 242, 244 adapted to support the aforementioned ceilingcomponents.

In this embodiment, a third generally vertical web 36' extendsdownwardly from the longitudinal pan edge 42 and is connected to thesecond pan 238'. The second generally vertical web 46, the second pan238' and the third generally vertical web 36 define a generally U-shaped trough 256 adapted to provide a full depth con crete rib, as willbe described. The second generally vertical web 46 is provided with asecond connecting member 24" comprising an open channel 246' having anouter surface 248'. The outer surface 248' is adapted to be engaged withthe inner surface 88 of the first connecting member 22 of an adjacentpanel.

Referring to FIG. 35, there is illustrated a fioor structure 258comprising a metal subfloor 12 and an overlying layer of concrete 16.For the purpose of illustration, the metal subfloor 12 comprises aplurality of the building construction panels 14, one of the buildingconstruction panels 234, and one of the building construction panels254. A flush-type acoustical ceiling structure 112 is supported on theunderside of the metal sheath 12' in the manner described above.

The trough 252 of the panel 234 is filled with concrete and provides afull depth concrete rib 260. The second connecting member 24 isinterengaged with the first connecting member 22 of the adjacentbuilding construction panel 14 and comprises one of the aforesaid keyingelements 96'. Similarly, the generally tubular rib 250 also comprises akeying element 96'. The keying elements 96' and the deformations 32(FIG. 34) provided in the sec- 10 0nd pan 238 secure the concrete rib200 to the metal subfloor 12.

The trough 256 of the panel 254 is filled with concrete and provides afull depth concrete rib 262. The second connecting member 24 isinterengaged with the first connecting member 22 of the adjacent panel14 and comprise a keying element 96". The keying element 96" and thedeformations 32 (FIG. 35) provided in the second pan 238' secure theconcrete rib 262 to the metal subfloor 12'.

It should be evident that the inclusion of one or more of the panels234, 254 and the concrete ribs 260, 262 provided thereby willsignificantly increase the loadcarrying capacity of the floor structure258.

I claim:

1. In a building floor structure having horizontal beams, a metalsubfloor supported on said horizontal beams, and a layer of concreteoverlying said metal subfloor, the improvement in said metal subfloorcomprising:

said metal subfloor being assembled from a plurality of side'by-side,interengaged, unstable building construction panels, said metal subfloorincluding:

a substantially continuous deck portion spaced above said horizontalbeams;

a plurality of upwardly extending ribs cooperating with said deckportion to provide plural generally U- shaped troughs;

keying elements, one along the upper edge of each of said upwardlyextending ribs;

a row of deformations in said deck portion between adjacent ones of saidupwardly extending ribs, said deformations projecting out of the planeof a face of said deck portion; and

a plurality of downwardly extending ribs terminating in bases, saiddownwardly extending ribs and said bases cooperating with said deckportion to provide plural downwardly opening channels adaptable forpresentation as a finished ceiling;

said keying elements and said deformations securing said layer ofconcrete to said metal subfloor in shear transferring relation.

2. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein said substantiallycontinuous deck portion comprises generally horizontal central panspresented by said building construction panels, each central pancomprising a generally fiat sheet portion of the panel.

3. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein substantially continuousdeck portion comprises generally horizontal central pans presented bysaid building construction panels, each central pan having an upwardlyconvex configuration.

4. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein substantially continuousdeck portion comprises generally horizontal central pans presented bysaid building construction panels, each central pan having an upwardlyconcave configuration.

5. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein said deformations compriseembossments extending above the upper face of said deck portion.

6. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein said deformations compriseindentations extending below the lower face of said deck portion.

7. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein said keying elementscomprise generally cylindrical inner and outer open channels of theself-connecting type, disposed in mated relation and providing apositive mechanical connection between adjacent ones of said panels.

8. The improvement defined in claim 7 wherein said open channelsterminate in leading edges spaced from said upwardly extending ribs anddefining a lengthwise opening; the concrete of said layer extendingthrough said lengthwise opening and substantially entirely filling theinterior space of the inner open channels.

11 12 9. The improvement defined in claim 7 wherein said 3,206,895 1965De Ridder 52-588 keying elements comprise the sole positive mechanical3,276,171 1966 Brown 52-588 connection between adjacent ones of saidpanels. 3,397,497 1968 Shea 52-334 3,479,784 1969 Massagli 52-588References Cited 5 FOREIGN PATENT UNITED STATES PATENTS 1025 175 1966 Gt B 't S 52 588 1,083,773 1914 Taylor 52-588 tea n m 2,926,928 1960Bennett 52-588 FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner 3,049,198 1962 Dobbins52-536 3,111,205 1963 Gresham 52 5ss 10 CL 3,127,962 1964 James 52-58852-333, 335, 478, 588

